NXP Semiconductors BB179,115
- Part No.:
- BB179,115
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package:
- SC-79, SOD-523
- Datasheet:
-
BB179,115.pdf
- Description:
- DIODE UHF VAR CAP 30V SOD523
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,941
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Product details
Overview
BB179,115 from NXP Semiconductors is a planar variable capacitance diode (varactor) designed for UHF tuning applications, featuring 2.1 pF capacitance at 28 V reverse bias, 9:1 capacitance ratio (1 V to 28 V), and 0.6–0.75 Ω series resistance at 470 MHz. It operates in electronic tuning circuits for UHF television tuners and voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs).
For engineers reviewing the BB179,115 datasheet, BB179,115 pinout, BB179,115 application, or BB179,115 equivalent, this varactor's ultra-small SOD523 package, gliding-matched 2 % capacitance tolerance, low leakage (<10 nA at 30 V), and temperature-stable CV characteristics are critical for high-frequency oscillator design and compact RF front-end layout.
Technical Context
The BB179,115 uses planar silicon technology to achieve precise voltage-dependent capacitance variation across 1–28 V reverse bias, with typical Cd = 20.24 pF at 1 V and 2.1 pF at 28 V. Its capacitance ratio of 9:1 enables wide tuning range in VCOs without sacrificing linearity.
Designed for UHF operation up to 1 GHz, it maintains low series resistance (0.6–0.75 Ω at 470 MHz) and exhibits <2 % capacitance matching across sequences of 10 diodes via Direct Matching Assembly (DMA), supporting high-precision filter and oscillator trimming.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Capacitance @ 28 V | 2.1 pF - Sets minimum oscillation frequency and defines upper tuning limit in VCO tank circuits. |
| Capacitance @ 1 V | 20.24 pF (typ) - Determines maximum oscillation frequency and lower tuning boundary. |
| Capacitance Ratio (1 V / 28 V) | 9:1 - Enables >1.5× frequency tuning range in LC-based VCOs without switching networks. |
| Series Resistance (rs) | 0.6–0.75 Ω @ 470 MHz - Minimizes Q-factor degradation and phase noise in resonant tank designs. |
| Reverse Leakage @ 30 V | <10 nA @ 25 °C - Ensures stable bias point and low drift in high-impedance tuning voltage paths. |
| Matching Tolerance | ≤2 % over 10-diode sequence (DMA) - Allows matched-pair use in differential VCOs and balanced filter banks. |
| Max Reverse Voltage | 30 V - Defines safe operating range for analog tuning voltage rails in consumer TV tuner ICs. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SOD523 (SC-79), ultra-small plastic surface-mount package with 2 leads; dimensions: 1.25 × 0.85 × 0.65 mm (L × W × H); cathode indicated by marking bar.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cathode | Connected to tuning voltage rail; reverse-biased terminal where capacitance is controlled. |
| 2 | Anode | Ground reference node for varactor junction; forms low-inductance return path in RF tank. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Gliding DMA matching | ≤2 % capacitance deviation across 10-device sequences - enables precision differential VCO calibration without individual trimming. |
| UHF-optimized rs | 0.6–0.75 Ω at 470 MHz - preserves tank Q >100 in 400–900 MHz VCOs, reducing close-in phase noise. |
| High C-ratio linearity | 9:1 (1 V/28 V) with monotonic C-V curve - supports wideband linear frequency sweep in TV tuner IF stages. |
| SOD523 footprint | 1.25 × 0.85 mm outline - fits dense RF layouts in set-top box and digital TV tuner modules with minimal parasitic inductance. |
| Low leakage stability | <200 nA @ 30 V / 85 °C - ensures consistent tuning voltage divider behavior across industrial temperature range. |
Applications
| UHF Television Tuners | Voltage-Controlled Oscillators (VCOs) |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Channel selection in digital terrestrial TV receivers operating in 470–862 MHz band. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Varactor diode in LC tank circuit, tuned by analog voltage to select channel-specific IF frequency. Use Value: 9:1 capacitance ratio enables full-band coverage with single VCO core; 2 % DMA matching ensures consistent channel lock time across production units. |
Use Scenario: Local oscillator generation in RF transceivers for ISM-band wireless systems (e.g., 868 MHz SRD). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Tuning element in Colpitts or Clapp oscillator topology, providing voltage-programmable resonance. Use Value: Low 0.6–0.75 Ω series resistance maintains oscillator phase noise below −110 dBc/Hz @ 100 kHz offset at 868 MHz. |
| RF Filter Tuning | Frequency Synthesizer Calibration |
|
Use Scenario: Adaptive bandpass filtering in software-defined radio front ends. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Capacitance-adjustable shunt element in switched-capacitor or active-RC filter sections. Use Value: 20.24 pF → 2.1 pF range allows 3-decade center frequency adjustment while preserving filter shape via matched pairs. |
Use Scenario: Reference oscillator trimming in PLL-based synthesizers for cable modems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fine-tuning capacitor in crystal oscillator load network to compensate for PCB trace capacitance variation. Use Value: ≤2 % DMA matching enables batch-level calibration without per-unit laser trimming, reducing manufacturing cost. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar varactor diode applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BB204,115 | Higher C1V = 27 pF, C-ratio = 7.5:1, rs = 0.85 Ω - optimized for VHF/L-band, not UHF. | Lower tuning sensitivity above 300 MHz; reduced Q at 868 MHz due to higher rs. | Select BB204,115 only when wider low-frequency coverage (e.g., FM radio + TV) is required and UHF phase noise is secondary. |
| SMV1232-011 | C1V = 22.5 pF, C-ratio = 10:1, rs = 0.55 Ω - GaAs process, higher cost, RoHS-compliant variant. | Better high-frequency performance above 1 GHz but requires different bias network due to lower VR rating (20 V). | Choose SMV1232-011 for 1–2 GHz VCOs where sub-0.6 Ω rs and extended C-ratio justify premium pricing and requalification. |
Compared with BB204,115 and SMV1232-011, the BB179,115 delivers optimal balance of UHF Q-factor, 9:1 tuning range, and cost-effective silicon planar construction - making it the preferred choice for mass-market digital TV tuners and 400–900 MHz VCOs where 30 V VR and DMA matching are essential.
Availability
BB179,115 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for UHF television tuners, voltage-controlled oscillators, RF filter tuning, and frequency synthesizer calibration requiring stable component supply and tight capacitance matching.
Supply support for BB179,115 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.
The BB179,115 belongs to NXP's RF discrete varactor family, engineered specifically for high-linearity, high-reliability UHF tuning in broadcast and wireless infrastructure - emphasizing manufacturability, matching consistency, and thermal stability.
FAQ
What is the maximum reverse voltage rating for BB179,115?
The BB179,115 has an absolute maximum reverse voltage (VR) rating of 30 V, with a peak reverse voltage (VRM) of 35 V when used in series with a 10 kΩ resistor. Exceeding 30 V DC or steady-state reverse bias risks permanent junction damage, as defined by IEC 60134 limiting values. Designers must ensure tuning voltage rails remain within this limit across all operating temperatures.
How is capacitance matching achieved in BB179,115?
The BB179,115 achieves ≤2 % capacitance matching across sequences of 10 diodes using Direct Matching Assembly (DMA) and gliding matching techniques. This is verified during production test and documented in the datasheet's Characteristics table under "capacitance matching." The BB179,115 does not require post-manufacturing sorting to meet this specification.
What package type does BB179,115 use, and how is polarity identified?
The BB179,115 is housed in a SOD523 (SC-79) ultra-small plastic SMD package measuring 1.25 × 0.85 × 0.65 mm. Polarity is marked by a bar on the cathode end - Pin 1 is cathode, Pin 2 is anode - as confirmed in the Pinning Information section and Figure 4 of the official NXP datasheet for BB179,115.
Does BB179,115 support operation at 85 °C ambient temperature?
Yes, the BB179,115 supports junction temperatures up to +125 °C and storage temperatures from −55 °C to +150 °C. At 85 °C ambient, its reverse leakage remains ≤200 nA at 30 V, and capacitance variation stays within specified tolerances - enabling reliable use in enclosed TV tuner modules and industrial RF equipment.
What is the typical series resistance of BB179,115 at UHF frequencies?
The BB179,115 exhibits a typical series resistance (rs) of 0.6–0.75 Ω measured at 470 MHz, as specified in Table 5 of the NXP datasheet. This low rs directly contributes to high Q-factor (>100) in UHF tank circuits and is a key differentiator versus general-purpose varactors with rs >1.2 Ω.
BB179,115 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- SC-79, SOD-523
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Capacitance @ Vr, F:
- 2.225pF @ 28V, 1MHz
- Capacitance Ratio:
- 10.9
- Capacitance Ratio Condition:
- C1/C28
- Voltage - Peak Reverse (Max):
- 30 V
- Diode Type:
- Single
- Q @ Vr, F:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOD-523
BB179,115 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BB179,115 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BB179,115 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for BB179,115 reliable?
The price and inventory of BB179,115 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BB179,115 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BB179,115?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BB179,115 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BB179,115?
BB179,115 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BB179,115 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for BB179,115?
For technical support, including BB179,115 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BB179,115 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BB179,115 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BB179,115 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that BB179,115 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BB179,115?
All BB179,115 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BB179,115, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The BB179,115 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BB179,115:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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